Thursday, July 20, 2006

I finally washed my hair - hygiene northern Israel style

Ever since I got to Israel I hardly sleep and hardly eat. I'm not the only one. My dad has already lost nearly 10 lb, other family members too.

We eat the necessary, because we have to, but all munching in between meals, coffees and cakes that are such a routine here, dried fruit, fruit, everything that isn't on our plates during the three meals, we don't eat. Not to mention having seconds - we're having none of that either. (And if you knew my dad's cooking, you'd know that seconds are just something you must have :)

We also avoid longer showers (hence the not washing the hair), and even going to the bathroom can cause a heavy feeling, because a siren can catch you anywhere, anytime.

But last night, I was finally too exhausted to even be afraid. Once I fell asleep, I didn't wake up until 5:30 a.m. - the first siren of the day. We ran under the stairs again (all of us sleeping with something that can pass as clothes, although I know that the first day people went with their pajamas to shelters). This time I didn't hear any blasts though, but some rockets did fall north of us.

I was so tired, I just went straight back to bed if you can believe it or not and finally completed a full night sleep of about 7 hours. It's been quiet since so I've decided to chance it and washed my hair too.

I hope the quiet will continue, although usually the afternoon is "busier" in terms of sirens and rockets. The jets and helicopters are constantly in the sky though. There are also a lot more peopel and cars on the street today and even the bank (!) called to ask if my parents needed anything.

Yesterday, a brother and sister 3 and 9, died from a direct hit in Nazareth. Yes, that's the holy Nazareth. Nazareth is a mixed town of Christians and Muslim Israelis (or Israeli arabs if you will, or Palestinian Israeli. I'm not trying to be PC (there's no PC in this part of the world), just to explain). It was very sad and devastating.

There were many more wounded from the rockets and also two soldiers died in heavy fighting on the border with Hezbollah. I hope for peace soon. There are more and more talks and I hope it's all going in the right direction to end this.

Like I said before, I doubt anyone who never experienced this could understand what we're going through. I doubt even I can understand what the Lebanese people are going through. I hope it gets resolved soon!
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7 comments:

Flood said...

Thinking about you.

Melly said...

Eric, I can't say it affects my writing, but it certainly changes the topics.

Thanks Flood and Jennifer.

Anonymous said...

You know, I thought 9/11 was terrifying enough when it happened. But I can't imagine being huddled inside my house with my family day in and day out, waiting for the next bomb to strike and hoping that it doesn't hit us.

Thank you for sharing this with us. You're a very strong person, Melly.

rdl said...

Melly I am praying that you and your family are ok. Any chance of that trip to Tel Aviv - I'd breath easier.

Melly said...

Deborah, you described it very well. Alas, I don't feel that strong.

rdl, we'll see. I'll try to let you all know.

Anonymous said...

Melly.
I love you, not in some romantic wierd way, but as a person who feels for you and your family. I wish I could grab you, your family, the Lebaneese and others involved and just keep you safe. If we were all honest, we would be friends with most of our enemies while we are alone, without politics and such. Take heart in knowing that people are out here wishing you safety and wellness.
Alan

Melly said...

Alan, comments like yours and so many others give me much strength.